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Tooth extraction is a process where a dentist removes a tooth from its dental alveolus or socket. This procedure is performed by a dental surgeon, general surgeon, and periodontist. In this procedure, the dentist thoroughly checks your teeth and gum before extracting the tooth.

Different Types of Tooth Extraction

The procedure can mainly be performed in two forms, that are:

• Simple Extraction

In a simple extraction, the dentist extracts the teeth that are visible in the mouth while using local anesthesia.

• Surgical Extraction

In a surgical extraction, the extraction is performed on the tooth that is partially damaged or broken under the gum. The dentist uses an incision to elevate the soft tissue around the tooth that is to be extracted. The extraction is performed using general anesthesia.  

Why Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?

Tooth extraction is necessary in case of:

• Impaction

Tooth impaction means the growth of one tooth causes a severe problem to another. It means one tooth pushing directly the other tooth while growing. It could cause swollen gums, bleeding, redness, and many more. The people who suffer impactions have jaw pain and difficulty in opening the mouth properly. 

The tooth that is often impacted is the wisdom tooth. The dentist extracts the wisdom tooth immediately and prevents other teeth from being severely damaged.

• Tooth Decay

When the tooth decay reaches the center of the tooth, i.e., the pulp, it causes infection to the teeth. In this case, the dentist usually performs a root canal in the damaged tooth. However, if the infection is way too severe, an extraction is performed that saves the other teeth from the infection. The removed tooth is replaced with a dental bridge to fill in the gap.

• Periodontal or Gum Diseases

Periodontal or gum diseases are caused by plaque or tartar buildup on the teeth.  Gingivitis or periodontitis is the most ordinary type of gum disease. While gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth, periodontitis is the inflammation of the bone around the teeth. If the gum and the bone around the teeth are severely damaged, it becomes necessary to extract the tooth to save the surrounding teeth from the damage.

• Overcrowding Teeth

If you want to minimize the overcrowded teeth from your mouth, extraction of one or more teeth is necessary. It is also necessary in the case of orthodontic treatment since there is no room for the teeth to move or realign.

Tooth extractions are considered the last option for dental treatment. Consult your dentist so that you get a clear idea of the necessity of tooth extraction.

UniSmile Dental, San Jose, CA offers expert dental care procedures including tooth extraction. For more details and appointments, call us at (408) 226-1600, book online, or visit us at 6134 Camino Verde Drive, Suite G, San Jose, CA 95119.